Book Sneak Peek: Getting Started in Public Relations
Smart Talk Book Melissa Vela-Williamson Smart Talk Book Melissa Vela-Williamson

Book Sneak Peek: Getting Started in Public Relations

In Chapter 1, “What PR Really Is,” I share tips and advice on getting started in public relations. Why? Because colleges may teach how the field works, but they can’t always teach how to work in the field! The hardest part can be getting started – getting that first break. Read this excerpt with tips on landing your first shot below.

Read More
Census Says: Hispanic Heritage Month is a Must

Census Says: Hispanic Heritage Month is a Must

Hispanic Heritage Month helps remind us of the rich traditions, leaders and shared values that make the Hispanic/Latino culture so significant. And that significance is rising -- the Latino population represented some big statistical shifts recently in the latest U.S. Census. Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 and lasts through October 15. There’s a lot to commemorate during this short time. No matter your market area, encouraging your organization or client to embrace this month makes good fiscal sense now.

Read More
Think Before You Post to Avoid A Social Media Crisis

Think Before You Post to Avoid A Social Media Crisis

We all have had those moments where we see something on social media that makes us feel an emotion. Quickly, we can be inspired to laugh, cry or get angry. We instantly want to react. But what does liking, sharing, or commenting say about us professionally or personally?

Read More
Four Steps for Practicing Social Responsibility

Four Steps for Practicing Social Responsibility

If you are unfamiliar with “Corporate Social Responsibility'' or CSR, you may not realize you are taking part in it when you participate in your organization's United Way campaign, recycle items in the office, or donate in a company’s food drive.

Read More
How to Clarify Complex Brands
Business Tips, Business Communication, Personal Branding Melissa Vela-Williamson Business Tips, Business Communication, Personal Branding Melissa Vela-Williamson

How to Clarify Complex Brands

A marketing industry rule of thumb is that a customer needs seven interactions with a brand before they remember it or engage with it. If the brand is inconsistent in its brand expression, then that rule goes out the window.

Brand expression inconsistency is quite common with organizations large and small. Sometimes with small organizations, a brand style guide doesn’t exist.

Read More